Menstrual Cup
Hear this word Menstrual Cup
Also known as: Period cup
Image description: Illustration depicting the use of a menstrual cup during menstruation.
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What Is It?
A menstrual cup is a small, flexible plastic cup that is inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid. It may require practice or help from a trusted person such as a personal care attendant to learn how to insert, remove, and wash a menstrual cup correctly. Menstrual cups usually aren’t recommended if a person uses an IUD (a form of birth control that is placed in the uterus).
An Example
Susana likes menstrual cups because they can be washed and reused. She used pads in the past and sometimes will use a thin liner as a backup for her menstrual cup.
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- Menstrual cups come in different sizes. It’s important to try different cups to see which one(s) feel comfortable inside the vagina.
- It might be necessary to practice inserting the cup many times before it is inserted correctly and comfortably.
- Throughout a person’s period, a menstrual cup will need to be emptied in the toilet before being reinserted. This may need to be done every 4-12 hours, depending on the person’s menstrual flow.
Think about
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What did you learn about menstrual cups?
To learn more, explore websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub or visit other parts of Your Sexual Health Toolkit like our online game, Our Stories, Our Journeys: A Sexual Health Game!
What questions do you have?
Write down or record an audio note with any questions you have to ask someone you trust. You may also find answers to your questions by using websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub.